In a world where complex challenges require innovative solutions, the ability to think systemically has become a sought-after skill for professionals across various sectors. Systems thinking offers a unique perspective that transcends traditional silos, enabling individuals to better understand the intricate and dynamic web of interconnections that shape our world.
Systems thinking has particularly gained traction in Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, by providing problem-solvers with a powerful framework to identify the leverage points, feedback loops, and unintended consequences within the systems they seek to influence.
Unlike other fields, formal education or specialized expertise is not a prerequisite for systems thinking. It is a skill that can be nurtured through practice and a shift in perspective, according to Morgane Allaire-Rousse, an experienced freelance systems-thinking adviser who has designed and facilitated participatory systems analyses for clients and partners including USAID, the African Union, and the Centre for Ecosystem Restoration — Kenya.
About the author
Katrina J. Lane
Katrina Lane is an Editorial Strategist and Reporter at Devex. She writes on ecologies and social inclusion, and also supports the creation of partnership content at Devex. She holds a degree in Psychology from Warwick University, offering a unique perspective on the cognitive frameworks and social factors that influence responses to global issues.
